Delicious summer recipes with One Handed Cooks

Posted by Sally Knight at January 29 2016, 12:00pm

When it's hot outside, there's nothing like a frozen treat to cool your kids down. But how do you spoil them without going into sugar overload?

Our very clever friends over at One Handed Cooks shared some tasty, natural recipes that are both healthy and affordable. Not only are they amazing to look at, they're even better to eat.

Mango and Mixed Berry Frozen Yoghurt Sticks

Making your own icy treats with seasonal fresh fruit allows for endless flavour combinations, avoids unwanted artificial colours and preservatives and can save you a few dollars along the way.

Serves: 6-8 Prep time: 15 minutes Freezing time: 5 hours

Nutrition Note: Homemade frozen yoghurt is super simple to make and a nutritious, calcium rich alternative to ice cream.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups Greek, natural or vanilla yoghurt

1 cup fresh or frozen chopped mango

1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries

1 tbsp honey to taste (optional), if using Greek or natural yoghurt

Method:

1. Place 1 cup of yoghurt, the mango and half the honey, if using, in a food processor and process until smooth. Fill or half fill the icy pole moulds with the mango yoghurt mixture.

2. Rinse and dry the food processor. Place the remaining yoghurt, honey and the mixed berries in the food processor and process until smooth. Top the half-filled mango yoghurt moulds and/or fill remaining icy pole moulds with the mixed berry yoghurt mixture.

3. Add the sticks tot the moulds and place in the freezer for 4-5 hours or until completely frozen.

Lemon Vanilla Yoghurt Drops

Delicious and irresistible, these little frozen yoghurt drops have become a favourite with the kids. The fun factor is a good opportunity to experiment with new tastes and flavours they may have refused before, such as introducing some mango, strawberry or pineapple.

Ingredients:

90g plain Greek yoghurt

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

½ tsp pure vanilla essence

Method:

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. Combine the yoghurt, lemon juice and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Empty the mixture into a zip-lock bag and snip a small hole in the corner of the bag. Gently squeeze small drops of yoghurt mixture onto the tray. 3. Freeze for 2 hours or until completely solid. Storage: place the drops in a freezer proof bag and store in the freezer.

Note: depending on your choice of fruit you can add 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey* to sweeten (*avoid honey for children under 12 months of age).

Method:

1. Place banana, ice and chosen fruit option in a blender or food processor. 2. Process until you have a fine, icy consistency. 3. Serve fruit ice immediately in ‘orange half’ bowls for something different.

Pick ‘n’ Mix Fruit & Chia Smoothie

Smoothies are a quick and easy breakfast alternative for busy mornings or if the kids need a break from the usual cereal and toast. They’re great for a tasty, refreshing snack too. Try adding some chia seeds, oats or even nut butters for a more nutritious and satisfying option.

Serves: 2 Prep time: 5 minutes Ready in: 5 minutes

Nutrition Note:

Chia seeds pack a nutritious punch. They’re high in protein, omega 3 fatty acids and fibre, and they’re nutrient and antioxidant rich, making them a wonderful addition to your child’s diet.

Ingredients:

1 banana (try frozen)

1 cup milk

½ cup natural or Greek yoghurt

2 tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp honey (optional)

Pick ‘n’ mix options:

1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped

1 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped

1 ripe peach, chopped

1 ripe nectarine, chopped

½ cup fresh pitted cherries

½ mango, peeled and chopped

Method:

1. Combine all the ingredients plus one or two pick ‘n’ mix options into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and serve.